As a Beverage and Technology Specialist, you will lead the end-to-end development of multiple wine-based products from early-stage concepts through pilot trials and full-scale production. You will evaluate market-driven ideas and translate them into commercially viable formulations while ensuring alignment with cost targets, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. You will apply your knowledge of FDA regulations, labeling, and compliance to support accurate product development and successful market readiness. You will drive innovation through hands-on experimentation, ingredient sourcing, and process optimization. You will also stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and new ingredients to continuously enhance product development and maintain a competitive edge.

Reports to: Director of Winemaking
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $85k - $120k DOE

You Will:
Understand and analyze marketing concepts with the objective to determine suitability/applicability to viable commercial products
Conduct trials, within each product specification, to determine the most suitable ingredients available in the marketplace, including extractions and/or ingredient isolation techniques
Analyze project cost to be within company profitability
Develop formulas for regulatory filing and labeling requirements
Develop production flow chart of each pilot product
Define each pilot product’s timeline from product development to production
Develop criteria for QC/QA
Conduct trials to determine product consistency and repeatability for appearance, aroma and flavor profile
Conducts sensory and chemical trials to determine product shelf-life stability
Collaborate with Procurement dept and QA dept to evaluate most suitable packaging containers
Works across functions and communicates with all functional and operating groups on labeling and compliance matters.
Ability to travel to any location where the Company operates as business needs dictate.
Communicates cross-functionally and stays abreast of current and emerging issues and opportunities, and related impact on products and product technology.
Develop company knowledge by staying current with latest products introduced into the market place, introduction of new ingredients and processing techniques available by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
Other duties as assigned

You Have:
Bachelor’s degree in food science or BS in enology applied to RTD. A science background with relevant experience will be considered.
3 years of R&D experience is highly preferred, including commercialization and production plant experience, preferably in the carbonated beverage industry
Good mathematical and scientific calculation skills, and be able to document the steps
Good analytical and problem-solving skills using systematic methods
High attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of the role
Knowledge of FDA regulations
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to multitask and manage projects with competing priorities
Willing to work a flexible schedule that may include different hours to accommodate trial runs
Highly independent with little direction needed
IFT Certified Food Scientist is preferred
Knowledge of quality control testing methods and Good Manufacturing Practices to drive development and improvement projects to integrate formulas into manufacturing successfully.
Ability to collect, analyze, and summarize process quality information and trends.
Computer literacy required with proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word.
Face situations that have a variety of interpretations and require careful evaluation.
Review formulas and technical documents.
Knowledge of FDA regulations and policies.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Working conditions in certain areas of the winery are cold, wet, slippery, and noisy.
Irregular shifts and long hours may be required, especially during harvest.
Frequent walking, including going up and down stairs and ladders, and bending is required.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
PPE must be worn at all times as necessary

Our Benefits:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full suite of healthcare coverage options to meet individual and family needs.
Life and AD&D Insurance – Company-provided coverage for added peace of mind.
Paid Time Off (PTO) – 14 days of annual PTO to rest, recharge, and prioritize personal well-being.
Paid Family Medical Leave – Company-paid leave to support employees during important family or medical situations.
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with Company Match – Plan for your future with our retirement savings plan, including generous company matching.
Holiday Pay – Paid holidays provided throughout the calendar year.
PTO Donation – Employees can donate PTO hours to a shared bank or directly to a co-worker in need.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Confidential, company-provided support for mental health, financial counseling, legal guidance, and more.
LifeMart – Access to exclusive discounts and special offers on products and services through the LifeMart employee savings program.
Pet Insurance – Optional coverage to help care for your furry family members.
Employee Wine Discounts – Enjoy generous savings on our portfolio of wines.
Supplemental Benefit Options – Access to a variety of voluntary benefit programs for additional coverage and personalized support.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.